Michael Jackson's death: Family friend says 'He was a loving soul'
Florence LaRue, one of the lead singers of the 1960s pop group the Fifth Dimension, stopped by the Jackson family home in Encino with pink azaleas and placed them at an ever-expanding memorial.
Dressed in black, with a red beret and sunglasses, her face wet with tears, LaRue talked fondly of Jackson and her memories of him.
"Not only is he the greatest performer in the world, but he's a very loving soul," said the Grammy-winning singer. “He has helped so many people not only financially but also with love.”
“He has helped so many people the world will never know about,” she continued. “He was a loving soul. We all talk about being generous but he lived what he talked."
She said Jackson gave LaRue ideas for her group. He invited her to his hotel one day and said the Fifth Dimension should sing old hits and dress in Mod clothes for their performances.
She was anticipating Jackson's comeback.
"That's why it came as such a shock," she said. "We're in such a doom and gloom time. The world needed to be lifted up. He could do it."
LaRue said she was making a DVD for her group when her sister called her with the news.
"She didn't want me to hear it on the radio," she said.
He was an inspiration to her, she said.
"He brought a lot of love through his music," she said. "He wasn't selfish unlike so many entertainers."
-- Nicole Santa Cruz in Encino
My God, what a shame. Rest in peace, Michael. Your talent will be forever lasting for many generations to come. Despite your recent bad reputation, your singing and dancing will be replayed in our hearts for years to come.
Posted by: Phim Online | June 25, 2009 at 07:02 PM
RIP baby... RIP... I grew up idolizing MJ. He was the greatest performer the world has ever known. Baffled, however, about how the media is harping on the negativity associated with MJ's career (i.e the child molestation allegations, the cosmetic surgery, etc). MJ stood for so much more.. innovation, revolution on some many fronts, and philanthropy. These are some of the worthwhile traits that should be the focal point today. Sadly, they are eclipsed by negativity. MJ was a genius! Unfortunately, like many geniuses, worlwide appreciation and respect comes only after death. How sad..... Love you MJ. Thanks for the memories, the greatness, the music... there will never be another like u.
Posted by: Tene Davis | June 25, 2009 at 11:04 PM
I love you Michael.
God bless you for all the good that you have done.
My heart is so broken right now.
Thank you for your music.
I will miss you and love you forever.
My heart goes out to the Jackson family.
Rest in Peace MJ
Shazia Ayub, The Hague, Netherlands.
Like A Comet
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon
Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon
Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night
Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon
Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon
Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon
Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night
Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon
Gone Too Soon
Posted by: Shazia Ayub | June 26, 2009 at 06:49 AM
Michael Jackson was a legend not without fault but his life style and the pressures he put on himself was more then he could bare. Let us remember him for his music and kindness. G-d has his ways we cannot understand and so MIchael Jackson
leaves us with loads of song.
Posted by: Isaac Beachwood Ohio,USA | June 26, 2009 at 07:07 AM
I WOULD FIRST LIKE TO SAY A PRAYER FOR THE ENTIRE JACKSON FAMILY DURNING THEIR TIME OF SORRY NOT ONLY WAS HE A FAMOUS AND THE WORLDEST GREATEST SINGER HE HAD A FAMILY THAT HURTS ARE REALLY IN PAIN AS WE SAY OUR LAST GOOD BYS TO MJ LETS ALSO KEEP HIS FAMILY UP IN PRAYER MJ IS IN A MUCH BETTER PLACE AND WOULD NOT WANT TO RETURN TO THIS COLD WORLD
LOVE
KIZZIE WHITAKER &FAMILY
GOD BLESS MJ'S FAMILY
Posted by: kizzie whitaker | June 26, 2009 at 06:32 PM